Magikarp PSA 10 Cards
コイキング · 鯉魚王
1 Magikarp PSA 10 cards live · 1 in stock from Japan · prices 30-50% below US.
Magikarp (#129) is a Generation I Water-type that evolves into Gyarados at level 20. Despite its in-game reputation as the weakest starter Pokemon, Magikarp has produced one of the rarest TCG cards in existence: the Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy (1998). Mainstream Magikarp cards from Base Set 2, Pokemon 151 and Vending Series remain affordable nostalgia targets.
Magikarp PSA 10 Cards
Overview
Magikarp (#129) is a Generation I Water-type that evolves into Gyarados at level 20. Despite its in-game reputation as the weakest starter Pokemon, Magikarp has produced one of the rarest TCG cards in existence: the Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy (1998). Mainstream Magikarp cards from Base Set 2, Pokemon 151 and Vending Series remain affordable nostalgia targets.
Lore & Background
Magikarp is the Fish Pokemon, listed by Bulbapedia at 0.9 m and 10.0 kg. Pokedex entries describe a famously feeble Pokemon whose only reliable move is Splash, which does nothing in battle. Despite its in-game weakness, Magikarp evolves into the powerful Gyarados at level 20 — a contrast highlighted across multiple generations of Pokedex lore. Magikarp lives in waters worldwide, and its scales are reportedly so durable that ancient warriors used them to construct armour. Source: Bulbapedia accessed 2026-05-09.
Investment Analysis
Magikarp's TCG market is dominated by one card: the 1998 Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy promo, awarded to winners of the Japanese Tamamushi University Hyper Test, with only an estimated few hundred copies in existence. PSA 10 examples have sold for six-figure sums. Outside that promo, mainstream Magikarp cards (Base Set 2 35/130, Vending Series, Pokemon 151) trade at modest prices and are more set-completion plays than speculation. Magikarp also benefits from anchoring the Gyarados evolutionary line, supporting steady collector demand for vintage holo Magikarp variants.
Buyer Guide
For investment, the Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy (1998) is the apex chase but extremely capital-intensive and authentication-sensitive — only buy through reputable graded sources. For accessible vintage, target Base Set 2 35/130 (2000) and Vending Series Glossy. Pokemon 151 (2023) Master Ball reverse Magikarp is the modern budget-to-mid-tier pick. Avoid bulk-tier modern Magikarp reprints. Also note Magikarp's 'Splash' Promo (Black Star) cards have niche meme appeal but limited resale liquidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Pokedex number is Magikarp?
Magikarp is #129 in the National Pokedex, a Water-type introduced in Generation I (Pokemon Red/Green/Blue, 1996).
What does Magikarp evolve into?
Magikarp evolves into Gyarados at level 20. There is no pre-evolution.
Why is the Tamamushi Magikarp so valuable?
The Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy (1998) was awarded only to winners of a Japanese tournament series, with an extremely small print run estimated in the low hundreds. PSA 10 copies have sold for six-figure prices, making it one of the rarest Pokemon TCG cards ever produced.
Are mainstream Magikarp cards worth collecting?
Yes, but mostly as set-completion or nostalgia pieces rather than investment flips. Base Set 2, Vending Series, and Pokemon 151 reverse-holos have steady but modest demand.
Does Magikarp have a Pokemon 151 card?
Yes. Magikarp 129/165 is in the Scarlet & Violet 151 set (SV2a, 2023) with Master Ball and Poke Ball reverse-holo variants.